Do You Need a Probate Realtor? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’ve lost a loved one and are now responsible for selling their home, you may be searching for a “probate realtor” — but what does that really mean?

How is it different from hiring a regular real estate agent?

And how can the right professional help you during this emotionally difficult time?

Hi, I’m Emily Cressey, a licensed Realtor in Seattle and founder of HomePro Associates. I specialize in helping families navigate home sales during probate throughout Washington State.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone — and this article is here to help guide you through the first steps.

What Is a Probate Realtor?

A probate realtor is a real estate agent who understands the legal and emotional complexities involved when selling a home after a loved one passes away. The probate process often includes:

• Waiting for court approval to sell the home
• Working with attorneys or estate executors
• Coordinating with multiple heirs or family members
• Selling homes that may be dated, neglected, or need cleaning
• Helping out-of-state executors manage the sale remotely

Not every real estate agent has experience with probate. You need someone who’s not only a strong marketer and negotiator, but also patient, compassionate, and organized — because selling in probate involves more than just listing a home.

Why Families Choose a Probate Realtor

Many of my clients come to me during one of the hardest times in their lives — after the loss of a parent or spouse.

Often, they are:

• The adult child responsible for handling the estate
• Living in another state or juggling their own family
• Feeling pressure from other heirs or family to “just get it done”
• Not sure what to fix or clean before listing the home

That’s why I focus on making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. From clean-out crews to cash buyers to full-service listings, we customize the solution that works best for your family.

While many families are approached by “as-is” home buyers who are investors that want to flip or rent your property, it is often more profitable to sell the property on the open market. Like the commercial says, “When buyers compete, you win.” However, if you do want a fast cash offer for you home, we have that service available as well.

How I Can Help

As a probate realtor based in Seattle, I work with families all across Washington State — from Everett to Tacoma, Bellevue to Spokane. I can:

• Coordinate with your probate attorney
• Help you understand your responsibilities as executor or trustee
• Provide referrals for trusted service providers
• Market the home to local buyers and investors
• Offer cash-offer options if a quick sale is needed
• Keep you updated every step of the way

Whether you’re an only child, or battling it out with heirs over the next steps for the property, you don’t need to do everything by yourself any more.

I am here to support you through every step of the journey, so you don’t waste time or money and can get the job finished and off your plate, with the money in your pocket and the house off your list of weekend chores…

Learn More About Selling a Home in Probate in Washington

If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry — we’ve created a full step-by-step guide to help you understand the entire process.

👉 Click here to read our full guide to Selling a Home in Probate in Washington State

This hub article covers everything from how probate works, to who can legally sell the home, to what needs to be done before listing the property.

Reach Out for a Free Consultation

Whether you’re ready to list the property or just have a few questions, I’m here to help.